China.org.cn | March 7, 2020
ITV News:
Thank you. Debi Edward from ITV News. How confident are you that China has turned a corner in its battle against the coronavirus? And is it still possible that we could see another spike?
Secondly, I know you've answered a couple of questions on this nature already, but what would be your advice to the United Kingdom, as we see a rise in cases starting there?
Du Bin:
I'll take the question. As for the first question, if my interpretation is correct, you are asking whether or not there will be another spike of new cases. I would say, there's always a possibility. However, according to what has been reported by the Chinese government, or even local governments, we understand that it is not only in Wuhan, in Hubei, but also in other provinces in China, that the numbers of newly diagnosed as well as suspected cases have been decreasing sharply and consistently.
Another piece of evidence is that when we had the chance to visit a lot of hospitals – designated hospitals, as well as non-designated hospitals – almost all our colleagues told us that they have vacancies or empty beds. They have more and more empty beds, after discharging patients who recovered from the illness. So, according to my own judgment, it is true that we have fewer and fewer patients, even in Wuhan and Hubei province.
As for your second question: Do we have any suggestions for the United Kingdom or other countries with rising numbers of new cases? Again, “plan.” The keyword is “plan.” Know how many cases you have. And what is the plan to cope with the disease or the patients – the laboratory confirmed cases, as well as their close contacts. Where should close contacts be kept and how should you identify probable or definite cases amongst the close contacts? I do believe it's a very tough job, but it has to be done. And it has to be done not only by the health care workers, but also by the government. The government means not only the health care authorities. Other departments have to be involved, such as public security — I mean the police — such as the transportation department or other departments. They have to work together. I think that's the only way to control the epidemic, not only in China, but also in other countries. Thank you.
Xi Yanchun:
Okay. Any more comments? No? Okay. Okay, the last question please. The gentleman in the middle area, in the third line. Yes, in the middle area.